Eleven-year-old Dan gets along well with Lyle, his solid, responsible stepfather, which is a good thing, because Dan’s mom has just left them both. That crisis is exacerbated by the reality that Lyle’s son, Dustin, prefers Dan’s mother as a parent to his own father. Dustin soon joins her after she leaves, and is then injured in a diving accident. Dan addresses his stepbrother, Dustin, throughout this unusual story, and he ponders how Dustin, an accomplished diver could make such a mistake - or series of mistakes. Griffin’s novel challenges readers with its second person narrative and its complex blending of two families. As readers agonize with Dan, they can also feel distressed for each of the individuals whose personal scenarios have come together, come apart and then reshaped themselves. (Ages 12-15)

When a family shatters, can it be rebuilt?
Ever since they’ve been on their own, life has been tough for Ben and his mother. Though they love each other, their life together has been a series of bitter fights and standoffs. But when his mother marries Lyle, at last Ben finds a missing puzzle piece. Ben’s new stepfather is an easygoing charmer, and he and Ben grow close. Things aren’t as smooth with Ben’s new stepbrother, Dustin. Surly, distant, self-destructive, and forever grieving for his lost mother, Dustin holds everyone at arm’s length. As their newly formed family struggles to fit together, Dustin suffers a serious diving accident. From tragedy emerges the chance for Ben to finally confront his distant mother, and maybe even make peace with his elusive stepbrother.  This ebook features a personal history by Adele Griffin including rare images and never-before-seen documents from the author’s own collection.